The increased positive case numbers within the State and Barnstable County continue to rise dramatically. The MA Department of Public Health had reported a single week increase of over 16,000 cases within the State toward the end of November, bringing the states total of confirmed positive cases to over 207,000 and total confirmed and probable deaths to over 10,500.
A single day increase of over 130 positive confirmed cases was reported for Barnstable County toward the end of November as well, this is the highest single-day tally that Barnstable County has ever received. This brings the counties total number of confirmed and probable positive cases to over 2,800 with over 190 confirmed and probable deaths in the county as a result of COVID-19. The MWT Health Service Unit has also reported a slight increase in positive cases with a total of 27 positive cases and 1360 negative cases reported since March.
Toward the end of November, Barnstable County exceeded 8 cases/100K 7-day average and that number has since tripled (showing a 7-day average new cases/100K of 26).
On a regional basis, case levels continue to increase as well. Rhode Island and Connecticut have also had significant case increases and new case rates per 100K are increasing in all counties in eastern MA, including Barnstable County and the Islands.
With these rising positive case numbers of Covid-19 within our region and county, we must be sure to not let our guard down and continue to remain vigilant as we fight this battle together. Plans for vaccine distribution have been established, as a potential vaccine is projected to be forthcoming soon. The initial focus will be for the elder population and most vulnerable members of our Tribal Community with underlying health conditions. We will need to ensure that all of these Tribal Members are registered within the Mashpee Wampanoag Health Service Unit (IHS) to assist with managing the vaccination process. Please call: 508-539-2561 to ensure registration within the IHS database.
There has also been an increase in testing throughout the state and county, which in turn affects the length of time it will take to receive test results at IHS. Additional nursing staff have been requested to assist IHS with an increase of testing and processing as well. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department is also in the process of hiring an infectious disease public health advisor and epidemiologist to assist in the Covid-19 pandemic.
Please continue to wear your masks and keep 6 ft apart from others outside of your immediate household, disinfect commonly touched surfaces and continue to practice good hand hygiene. The safety measures that we had to practice during the Thanksgiving Holiday, must be continuously practiced for the upcoming Christmas Holiday, by trying to keep our gatherings limited to those who are in our immediate household.
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management Department will continue to invest time and resources into fighting this pandemic. The best weapon that we have now to fight this virus is prevention and every one of us has the ability to stop the spread, by following the public health guidance that is in place, by doing this we will ensure that our Tribal Community remains safe and that our most vulnerable members are able to get through this pandemic safely with us all.
Please see additional resource information below.
Nelson Andrews Jr
Director, Emergency Management – Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe
Additional Resource Info:
COVID-19 Testing
Mashpee Health Service Unit COVID Testing Registration, Please call: 508-539-2561
Testing Site Locator HERE
We ask that if you get tested, please notify the IHS clinic and also self-identify as a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe to the state testing site.
PPE & Food Resources
For resource assistance @ Point of Distribution (POD) site 508-477-0208 Ext.189
New Pantry Hours to accommodate after hours - beginning; 12/1/20:
Tuesday’s & Thursday’s: 3PM – 7PM
Wednesday’s: 12PM – 4PM
1st Saturday of Month: 10AM – 2PM
Text Illness Monitoring:
To enroll in this important system, text the number 877-462-9617. Next, type in “JOIN” and send text. You will be asked to enter your name.
MA Department of Public Health Covid Information:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information
COVID-19 Related Support, please call or email Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Emergency Management: 774-327-8367 | Nelson.AndrewsJr@mwtribe-nsn.gov
